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The Wood House

SquareMeal Review of
The Wood House

“Sensational!” That’s Sydenham society’s verdict on the smart new look at this landmark pub: a one-time grand country house. Like its lost 1850s contemporary, the Crystal Palace, The Wood House was designed by esteemed architect Sir Joseph Paxton, who made it his home. Its various cosy corners and spacious accommodations are now tastefully furnished in muted tones and updated Victoriana. In the leafy back garden, jolly huts encourage alfresco imbibing and there are ample amusements for children. Drinks encompass various craft beers (including brews from owners, Young’s) and a sub-£30 wine list with a useful white Rioja and numerous by-the-glass options. Graze on goujons, Scotch egg and pukka sarnies; pick at sharing platters; or dine on monkfish cheeks or pea and mint soup followed by burgers, superfood salads, meat from the rotisserie and classic puds. Sunday roasts and traditional afternoon teas also feature at this lavishly rebooted local.

Lunchtime – Monday 22 June 2015
Looking online for a Dulwich area restaurant for my Mum’s funeral wake, we found the beautiful newly-refurbished Wood House in Dulwich. My sister met with a woman at the restaurant two weeks before the event who confirmed we could reserve a side of the conservatory for a sit-down, 2-course meal for 24 guests. She said that due to the number of guests we could have three choices of main and dessert, and my sister booked so many of each fish & chips, lamb with rosemary and lemon chicken and also desserts.
On arrival the idea was that the guests would be ushered through to the conservatory to order drinks from their tables to ensure they were added to our tab. As the tables were not ready for our guests they all bought their own drinks at the bar. The drinks were expensive - over £11 for a pint of lager and a glass of wine. Once seated at the tables, my sister was told that the woman she had booked the event with was off that day and no food had been pre-ordered. The diligent waiter quickly confirmed that he could offer plenty of fish & chips and pork but it would take a while. The majority of guests agreed to have fish & chips but as the 24 meals were all brought out at different times it meant some guests were finishing as others were starting, making conversation awkward. Apparently everyone left the mushy peas – not sure why! The same with the puddings (the bread & butter pudding was far too dry).
The waiter and waitresses tried to mitigate the damage with their politeness and apologies, but where was the management – nowhere to be seen!
Conclusion: Beautiful pub but avoid at all costs!
6.30PM Friday 3 July 2015
Further to my previous review following my Mum’s wake on 22 June, we stupidly decided to give the Wood House at Dulwich another chance! This time it was dinner at 6.30pm for 6 guests. On arrival they had no knowledge of our booking, which had been by telephone the previous day. As the weather was warm, most diners were in the garden and so we were easily seated in the conservatory. A short while later a waitress called over to say she did have our booking and came over to take our order. We ordered a main course each, which took an hour to arrive. The chips accompanying the fish were mostly black from a rotten potato, which was obviously totally ignored by both the chef and the waitress. I ordered a well-done steak which arrived overcooked, hard to cut and contained a lot of gristle. When the waitress took our dessert choices she did mention there would be a delay with the puddings. An hour later we asked the waitress how much longer we would have to wait for our desserts and were told that she couldn’t tell us. We then cancelled our desserts and asked for the bill. She did say that she just needed to serve the people behind and would come back with the bill. 20 Minutes later a waiter brought a couple of desserts to our table and we told him we had cancelled our desserts and were patiently waiting for our bill. He took them back to the kitchen and returned to say that they were now free of charge. Politely we told him we did not want them and just wanted the bill. Finally the waitress returned with the bill, which we paid and left. I think the waiter and waitress were trying to do their best but, once again, where were the Management?
Conclusion: Beautiful pub but avoid at all costs!